Ben Brown became a virtual ever-present for Sussex in the Championship in the past two seasons because of Matt Prior's involvement in the England side and the move of Andrew Hodd to Yorkshire. Brown acquitted himself ably in 2013, averaging nearly 40 with the bat, and even represented 'England' - joining his team mate Chris Nash in the Hong Kong Sixes. But his batting average declined a year later and Matt Prior's anticipated recovery from an Achilles operation, combined with the loss of his England place to Jos Buttler in the aftermath of a disastrous 2013-14 Ashes tour, suggested that Brown would face stiff competition in 2015.

Brown played Under-19s cricket for England in 2006-07 and made his county debut the following summer. His first-class debut came against Sri Lanka A in the same season, when he scored 46 off 25 balls. In 2010 he made a century for Sussex against Derbyshire in his seventh first-class game.